For patients looking to boost recovery after a major surgery for an injured knee, foot, wrist, elbow, or shoulder, a treatment called bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) may be beneficial.
Enhanced healing
During a BMAC procedure, a patient’s bone marrow is used to augment their natural healing response.
“This is an elective procedure we add on during a surgery,” said Paul Shupe, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at UT Physicians Orthopedics – Memorial Villages. “We’ll do this in certain cases during surgery for a ligament, meniscus, cartilage, or labrum injury.”
Bone marrow is withdrawn from the patient and then goes through a centrifuge to concentrate it. It is then injected into the area where the repair is being made.
BMAC treatment can reduce recovery time by several weeks and, in some cases, by up to two months.
Surgeries best suited for BMAC
Not all injuries respond the same to bone marrow treatment.
“BMAC treatment is utilized best when we’re trying to get tissue to heal. BMAC can help stimulate tissue regeneration and repair,” explained Shupe.
Examples of use include shoulder dislocation or rotator cuff surgery, Achilles tendon repair, biceps tendon repair, or meniscus surgery.
Patient-specific treatment
As an elective procedure, BMAC is not typically covered by insurance and is chosen by patients willing to take on the additional cost.
“The athletic population, including those trying to continue college or professional sports, are more inclined to receive this treatment,” said Shupe. “Sometimes it’s the weekend warrior in peak shape with specific goals they want to achieve. These are patients who are in good health with a strong desire to return to their athletic routine.”
If you’re interested in learning more about this add-on procedure, visit our UT Physicians Orthopedics and Sports Medicine website to request an appointment, or call 713-486-7500 to speak with a care team member.
